Travel Insurance in relation to civil unrest is a little bit murky, as you'd no doubt suspect. I'm going to do my best to explain what you're covered for, under what circumstances - and what's not. Here goes!

Travel Insurance Order Date

The moment the FCO issues a travel warning to a specific area, it becomes a known risk. This means that there's no point buying a Travel Insurance policy, to be covered for such an incident after an announcement. Which is why it's so important to buy your policy as soon as you can.

However, it's worth noting that there are currently no FCO travel restrictions on the most popular Red Sea and Sharm El Sheikh tourist resorts. Therefore, in theory if you're soon to be travelling there, you could purchase a policy now and still be covered. But what cover is available?

Medical Cover

If you have purchased your policy before the official announcement, most standard policies will cover you for Medical Emergencies, Hospital Benefits and Personal Accidents, providing that you adhere to the advice given. Travelling to areas deemed unsafe invalidates your entire policy!

Cancellation And Coming Home Early

Unfortunately, the majority of travel insurance policies don't accept civil unrest as a reason to cancel or curtail your holiday. This means that you can't decide you no longer want to be on holiday or go on holiday and be able to claim for the loss of money.

Similarly if your flights are cancelled as a direct result of the commotion, standard insurance won't cover this cost - it is the airline or tour operator that is liable to find you alternative travel arrangements or give you a refund.

Separate Flights And Hotels: If your flights are cancelled and you've booked your hotel separately, this could have a knock on effect and you will have to look to the hotel to re-arrange accommodation for you, as a standard policy won't cover these costs which are in direct association to civil unrest.

Independent Traveller - Civil Unrest Cover

If you did want to have civil unrest covered by insurance, you would have to look for a policy that specifically covers it. Essential Travel's Independent Traveller is an optional extra that can be added to a Single Trip or Annual policy and includes cover for civil unrest. However, even these policies don't cover cold feet and it won't pay out unless the FCO advises against travel to the region. Make sure you read the full policy wording before buying any policy.

Package holidays: These are far better protected against this sort of crisis as it's up to the tour operator to fulfil their end of the deal either by offering you alternative travel dates or finding you a different holiday.

Protests in Egypt

24 Hour Emergency Helplines

If you are currently in Egypt or travelling soon, most Travel Insurance policies come with a 24 hour Emergency Helpline that you can call for advice or assistance. This number is usually clearly referenced on your policy wording document.

I highly recommend that you keep abreast of the situation by visiting the FCO website, speaking with your tour operator or airline, and adhere to any advice given.

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